IB Educator Development Programme | CCAAIBWS

IB Educator Development Programme

Empowering IB educators through inquiry-driven professional learning, collaboration, and reflective leadership across PYP, MYP, DP and CP.

About the Programme

The IB Educator Development Programme by CCAAIBWS supports teachers and school leaders in deepening their understanding of IB philosophy, designing learner-centred experiences, and building sustainable professional learning communities across the region.

Duration: 2 months

Focus: pedagogy, assessment for learning, inclusion, leadership for curriculum coherence, and educator wellbeing.

Programme Structure

  • Workshops: Interactive sessions on IB pedagogy and philosophy.
  • Learning Labs: Practice-focused sessions with peer reflection.
  • Mentoring: Sustained professional support for implementation.
  • Action Research: Teacher-led inquiries into classroom practice.

Participants gain practical strategies, research-based insights, and collaborative opportunities to enhance student learning and school development. Certificates and PD hours are awarded upon completion.

Who Should Join

  • Current IB teachers (PYP, MYP, DP, CP)
  • School leaders and curriculum coordinators
  • Educators transitioning to IB programmes
  • Consultants and teacher trainers
  • Anyone who wants to improve their international education skills

IB Educators Development Programme III

Opening Ceremony by Francesco Banchini

As CCAAIBWS – the Caucasus and Central Asia Association of IB World Schools, we remain committed to investing in teacher development across the region. The launch of this expanding third wave reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen professional learning and build capacity within the IB community.

The programme officially opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Francesco Banchini, Chairman of CCAAIBWS and CEO & Director of the European Azerbaijan School, who shared an insightful overview of the IB—its history, philosophy, and values—while also outlining what participants can expect from the upcoming learning sessions.

The Principals of the European Azerbaijan School also warmly greeted the participants, introducing themselves and sharing their perspectives, followed by a valuable networking session that allowed educators to connect, exchange ideas, and begin building a strong professional learning community.

"Design Thinking" by Afreen Shaikh

As the first session of the programme, Afreen Shaikh conducted an insightful training titled “Design Thinking” at the European Azerbaijan School. The session explored the core principles of design thinking, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and user-centered approaches to learning. Participants examined practical strategies for guiding students through the stages of empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing — helping them develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. 

"IB School Culture" by Zohra Malikova

Zohra Malikova delivered an insightful session titled “IB School Culture.” The session explored the key elements of building and sustaining a strong IB school culture, focusing on shared values, collaboration, and creating an inclusive learning community. Participants discussed practical approaches to nurturing a positive school environment that supports student growth and teacher development. 

"From Paper to Practice: Understanding and Shaping School Policies in an IB Context" by Kamala Shamilova

Kamala Shamilova delivered an insightful session titled “From Paper to Practice: Understanding and Shaping School Policies in an IB Context.” The session explored how school policies move from written documents into meaningful practice, emphasizing alignment with IB philosophy, consistency in implementation, and collaborative policy development. Participants discussed practical strategies for shaping effective policies that support strong school culture and sustainable educational practices.

"Inquiry-Based Learning in Practice" by Kamilla Orujova

Kamilla Orujova led a dynamic session titled “Inquiry-Based Learning in Practice.” The session focused on turning inquiry into action, highlighting practical classroom approaches that promote curiosity, student voice, and deep understanding. Educators exchanged ideas on how to design learning experiences that encourage questioning, exploration, and meaningful engagement, supporting a truly learner-centered environment.

IB Educators Development Programme II

Opening Ceremony by Francesco Banchini

II IB Educator Development Programme has officially commenced.
Over the next three months, participating educators will engage in a transformative learning journey, deepening their understanding of the IB philosophy, approaches to teaching and learning, and the principles that underpin an international-minded education. This programme is designed to strengthen professional practice, foster collaboration, and empower educators to cultivate communities where inquiry, reflection, and innovation thrive.

"IB School Culture" by Zohra Malikova

Zohra Malikova delivered the first training session titled “IB School Culture” at European Azerbaijan School. The session focused on the foundations of building and sustaining a strong IB culture within schools, highlighting values, practices, and collaborative approaches that nurture an international mindset and lifelong learning. With engaging discussions and practical insights, participants reflected on how school culture shapes both teaching and student experiences across the IB framework. A valuable start to IBEDP II, setting the tone for a purposeful and impactful professional journey ahead.

"Understanding IB grading standards through collaboration " by Tad Harrold

Tad Herrold led a session titled “Understanding IB Grading Standards through Collaboration” at European Azerbaijan School. This training of IBEDP II provided participants with practical insights into IB assessment criteria, emphasizing the importance of consistency, transparency, and collaborative calibration. Through shared discussions and activities, teachers explored how collective understanding of grading standards strengthens alignment and supports fair, meaningful assessment practices across the IB framework. A strong beginning to IBEDP II, setting the stage for continued growth and professional learning. 

"Inquiry-Based Learning in Practice" by Kamilla Orujova

Kamilla Orujova delivered a training session titled “Inquiry-Based Learning in Practice” at European Azerbaijan School. The session explored practical strategies for implementing inquiry-based learning in classrooms, emphasizing student agency, curiosity, and critical thinking. Through hands-on examples and collaborative discussions, participants gained insights into how inquiry fosters deeper understanding and meaningful learning experiences.

"Creative strategies to nurture IB PYP Learner Profile Attributes." by Shabnam Aliyeva

Shabnam Aliyeva delivered an inspiring session titled “Creative Strategies to Nurture IB PYP Learner Profile Attributes” at the European Azerbaijan School. The workshop explored innovative ways to integrate the Learner Profile into daily teaching practices, encouraging educators to foster curiosity, empathy, and resilience in young learners.

"Making Thinking Visible through ATL Skills" by Parvin Rahimova

Parvin Rahimova delivered an inspiring session titled “Making Thinking Visible through ATL Skills” at the European Azerbaijan School. The workshop explored ATL Skills into daily life and thinking process.